Advocacy: NYC needs to elect more tenant advocates within its City Council
In the upcoming elections, the stakes are high for New York City, with some candidates backed by powerful real estate groups like the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and Jobs for New York aiming to take seats on the City Council. These groups have historically advocated for policies that support the development and sustainability of the real estate market, often at the expense of tenant protections and affordable housing.
REBNY, a significant player in New York City's real estate industry, has been critical of certain tenant protection measures, such as the elimination of broker fees. However, they also support initiatives that foster a balanced approach to housing affordability and development. Jobs for New York, a political action committee formed by REBNY and other real estate groups, supports candidates who align with their interests, often advocating for policies that promote economic growth and development.
When it comes to tenant protections, REBNY and related groups have expressed caution or opposition to strict laws, such as rent control measures, citing concerns about the potential impact on the rental market and the financial viability of landlords. However, they also recognize the need for affordable housing solutions and may support more moderate approaches to tenant protection.
Regarding affordable housing, REBNY has expressed support for initiatives that increase the supply of affordable housing, often advocating for policies that encourage development while ensuring the financial sustainability of such projects. This can include support for programs that incentivize developers to build affordable units.
To identify specific City Council members backed by REBNY or Jobs for New York, one would need to review campaign finance records or endorsements from these organizations. As of the latest available information, these details are not provided in the search results.
However, the influence of these groups is evident in the millions they have spent on ads and mailers in City Council races across NYC. The aim is to have City Council members in every borough who understand tenants' struggles and prioritize their needs, rather than defend business interests and halt progress towards tenant protections and affordable housing.
The future of NYC is worth fighting for. We've seen what happens when the real estate lobby controls the narrative, with stories of mass evictions, neglect, and tenants being treated as profit margins. One such example is The LeFrak Organization, one of the largest landlords in New York, which has a history of such practices.
District 21, comprising neighborhoods like LeFrak City, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona, is home to working-class, immigrant communities. These neighborhoods are characterized by care, community support, and organizing efforts for tenants' welfare. We need representatives who will prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers in these areas, as well as NYCHA residents and basement tenants.
The cost of living and raising a family in NYC has continued to surge, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to afford housing. It's crucial that we elect City Council members who will fight to make NYC more affordable, prioritizing the needs of working-class New Yorkers over large developers. The real estate lobby should not control the narrative in NYC. Our communities need representatives who will fight for deeply affordable housing.
- REBNY, a powerful player in New York City's real estate industry, has been critical of certain tenant protection measures, like the elimination of broker fees, but also supports initiatives that foster a balanced approach to housing affordability and development.
- Jobs for New York, a political action committee formed by REBNY and other real estate groups, supports candidates who align with their interests, often advocating for policies that promote economic growth and development.
- To identify specific City Council members backed by REBNY or Jobs for New York, one would need to review campaign finance records or endorsements from these organizations.
- The influence of these groups is evident in the millions they have spent on ads and mailers in City Council races across NYC, aiming to have City Council members in every borough who understand tenants' struggles and prioritize their needs.
- It's crucial that we elect City Council members who will fight for deeply affordable housing, prioritizing the needs of working-class New Yorkers over large developers, as the cost of living in NYC has continued to surge, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to afford housing.
